Immigration proposal could ease ag labor woes

In a move that could help address ag labor concerns, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services agency wants to make it easier for undocumented immigrants to apply for visas.

The proposed change would allow illegal immigrants to stay in the country while their applications are being processed , according to the Federal Register.

Those seeking residency who have immediate relatives who are U.S. citizens can apply to stay in the country while their application is undergoing “consular processing,” which can take 10 years to complete.

Current regulations require visa applicants leave the country while their paperwork is reviewed.

The change is aimed at undocumented immigrants who have family members who are U.S. citizens., in particular children born in the U.S.